Almost a second after the crimson Unit-01 demonstrated its terrifying thrusting capability, the ice-blue Unit-03 also sprang into motion.
Its method of maneuver was entirely different; it produced no deafening sonic booms, yet its trajectory was far more uncanny. Faint ripples of soul-light pulsed across the machine's surface, as if its form momentarily blurred, only to reappear dozens of meters away in the next instant. It performed short-range, high-frequency "flicker" displacements like a ghost—erratic and impossible to predict. This was Rei Ayanami's ultra-high-speed directional shifting, achieved through micro-manipulation of the A.T. Field combined with the unit's unique energy conduction properties.
Meanwhile, the purple Unit-02 showcased its superior defense and stability. It eschewed exaggerated thrusts, instead moving swiftly to a simulated complex of jagged rocks. When the shockwaves and debris kicked up by Unit-01's high-speed maneuvers swept toward it, an invisible force field seemed to manifest around Unit-02's chassis, deflecting and absorbing the vast majority of the impact and shrapnel. Standing firm as a mountain, it provided a stable sanctuary for any potential allies.
The three EVA Titans, in three distinct yet complementary ways, demonstrated to the Legio Canis a level of mobility, defensiveness, and tactical versatility that transcended the Imperium's conventional understanding.
Princeps Olaf stood with his mouth agape, unable to speak for a long time. His previous fanaticism had been rooted in a longing for the divine Titans; now, that fanaticism had turned into literal shock and... a trace of bewilderment.
"That kind of mobility... it completely shatters your existing tactical doctrine," a Princeps of a Warhound-class Titan remarked breathlessly. "Our fire-control systems are optimized for targets of equivalent relative speeds. I must admit, Legio Canis needs time to digest this shock, which has far exceeded our expectations."
Imperial Titans, acting as mobile fortresses and ultimate ground fire platforms, had combat patterns built upon relatively stable battle lines and layered fire-distribution systems.
"We must find a way to coordinate with them, or at the very least, understand their tactical value and incorporate them into our strategic considerations." Olaf rubbed his temples, knowing this all too well. "But the fact that the Sage Titan agreed to participate in this training is clear: the intention is not to humiliate us, but to demonstrate value and seek deeper cooperation."
With such mobility and explosive power, how were the Titans and Knights of Legio Canis supposed to coordinate with them?
However, they were experienced Imperial elites after all. After the initial shock and discomfort, a new realization began to crystallize. On the training ground, the EVA Titans were like three deadly sharks cruising through a sea of sand, while the Legio Canis Titans and Knights were like ponderous whales armed to the teeth. Though drilling on the same field, they seemed to exist in two different dimensions of space-time.
During a brief respite, the atmosphere inside the Legio Canis temporary command center was heavy.
"Perhaps... we shouldn't persist in making them adapt to us," Princeps Olaf suggested a different perspective during another tactical discussion. "What we should consider is how to integrate this unprecedented mobility and assault capability into our broader tactical system."
He paused and added, "We... need a bit of time to re-evaluate and adjust the upcoming joint training plan."
The Knights of the God-Machine Guard felt particularly out of place. Their duty was to escort the Titans and clear close-range threats. But if the threat came from the flank or even the rear at speeds exceeding the speed of sound, how were they supposed to react?
"Our Knight suits are even more affected," a Knight Commander chimed in. "The premise of an escort mission is being able to keep pace with the target. Currently... we can't even catch their tail-dust, let alone escort them."
Indeed, rather than forcing the EVAs into an unsuitable tactical box, it was better to tailor new tactical roles for them. The idea ignited the room. They weren't battleships meant for a line-of-battle; they were super-cruisers that came and went like the wind, or perhaps even lethal torpedo boats.
Olaf tried to propose several new coordination concepts: for instance, having the EVAs utilize their high mobility for frontline scouting, rapid flank harassment, or "decapitation" strikes against high-value enemy units, while the Titan Legion served as a solid fire-support pivot and the core of attraction for enemy fire.
In the base command center, Osiris observed the shift in the training progress and nodded slightly. This was exactly the effect he wanted—not simple "strength," but "subversive" power. Only by demonstrating performance sufficient to overturn the existing tactical system could he draw the genuine attention of the highest levels of the Collegia Titanica.
Legio Canis was quick to adjust their thinking, which was good. This showed they truly recognized the value of the EVAs—not as replacements for existing Titans, but as a powerful supplement and force multiplier for the current system.
The subsequent training began to revolve around this new logic. Although building true rapport would take time, once the direction was right, the effect was night and day.
In one simulated engagement, the crimson Unit-01 "destroyed" the rear weak point of a Warhound Titan playing the enemy in a classic supersonic thrust. The entire process took less than five seconds. Meanwhile, another squad of friendly Titans and Knights hadn't even had time to adjust their cannons.
Frustration began to spread within Legio Canis, as their dilemma was visceral. Traditional escort formations and interlocking fields of fire seemed clunky and sluggish in the face of such high-speed insertion and extraction.
"The demonstration is over," Asuka's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of post-performance relaxation. The crimson Unit-01 had already returned to its starting position like a phantom, as if the physics-defying dash just now had never happened.
Princeps Olaf took a deep breath, trying to calm the stormy waves in his heart. He responded in a voice as steady as possible: "...Received. Our thanks... for your brilliant demonstration."
The communication channels were a mess of noise, save for the calm, professional tactical chatter coming from within the EVA squad.
In the base command center, Osiris looked at the images and data transmitted back by the sensors, as well as the near-frozen reaction from Legio Canis, and knew the purpose of the display had been achieved. The terrifying performance of the EVAs had begun to transform from a "headache" into an "exciting weapon."
The door was open. The rest of the journey was for them to walk together.